Air-delivery system for breathing-assist devices

ABSTRACT

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a universal sealing apparatus for one or more cannulas. The apparatus includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first and second portions are configured to removably adhere directly or indirectly to a nose. The third portion is coupled to the first and second portions. The third portion removably couples to one or more cannulas and places a force upon a base of flared portions of the one or more cannulas when the first and second portions are adhered to the nose. The force maintains a fluid seal of the one or more cannulas within one or more respective nostrils of the nose.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is related to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/609,829, filed Mar. 12, 2012, entitled “AIR DELIVERYSYSTEM FOR BREATHING ASSIST DEVICES”. Provisional Patent Application No.61/609,829 is hereby incorporated by reference into the presentapplication as if fully set forth herein. The present application herebyclaims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/609,829.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed, in general, to breathing-assistsystems, and more specifically, to an air-delivery system forbreathing-assist devices.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a universal sealing apparatusfor one or more cannulas. The apparatus includes a first portion, asecond portion, and a third portion. The first and second portions areconfigured to removably adhere directly or indirectly to a nose. Thethird portion is coupled to the first and second portions. The thirdportion removably couples to one or more cannulas and places a forceupon a base of flared portions of the one or more cannulas when thefirst and second portions are adhered to the nose. The force maintains afluid seal of the one or more cannulas within one or more respectivenostrils of the nose.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may beadvantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases usedthroughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” aswell as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term“or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and“associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean toinclude, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be containedwithin, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with,cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to orwith, have, have a property of, or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and itsadvantages, reference is now made to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals represent like parts:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show three views of an air-delivery system,according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows the installation of the air-delivery system of FIGS. 1A,1B, and 1C;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C show three views of an air-delivery system,according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows the installation of the air-delivery system of FIGS. 3A,3B, and 3C;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show three views of an air-delivery system,according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows the installation of the air-delivery system of FIGS. 5A,5B, and 5C;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show three views of an air-delivery system,according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows the installation of the air-delivery system of FIGS. 7A,7B, and 7C;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show two views of an air-delivery system, according toanother embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows the installation of the air-delivery system of FIGS. 9Aand 9B;

FIGS. 11A and 11B show two views of an air-delivery system, according toanother embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows the installation of the air-delivery system of FIGS. 11Aand 11B;

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C show three views of one cannula-sealingapparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 14A and 14B show two views of another cannula-sealing apparatus,according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 15A and 15B show two views of another cannula-sealing apparatus,according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 shows the air-delivery system of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4 with aninstalled cannula-sealing apparatus;

FIG. 17 shows the air-delivery system of FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 6 with aninstalled cannula-sealing apparatus;

FIG. 18 shows the air-delivery system of FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10 with aninstalled cannula-sealing apparatus;

FIGS. 19A and 19B show a configuration of an air-delivery system with aninstalled cannula-sealing apparatus plus support structure secured tothe forehead using double-stick tape;

FIGS. 20A and 20B show a configuration of an air-delivery system with aninstalled cannula sealing apparatus plus support structure secured tothe forehead using straps;

FIG. 21 shows the power system that produces compressed air for thevented air-delivery system embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 22 shows the power system that produces compressed air for thepressure recovery air-delivery system embodiments of the disclosure; and

FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 show enhanced cannula-sealing apparatuses 2300 and2400, according to additional embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The FIGURES, discussed below, and the various embodiments used todescribe the principles of the present disclosure in this patentdocument are by way of illustration only and should not be construed inany way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the principles of the present disclosure may beimplemented in any suitably arranged system. Additionally, the drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale.

Contextually, embodiments of the disclosure are directed towards anair-delivery system that provides pressurized air to patients withbreathing problems. A typical application of the air-delivery system isas a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, which is used toaddress sleep apnea and snoring.

The majority of conventional CPAP air-delivery systems employ face masksthat must be strapped to the head, which is uncomfortable. These systemsemploy a mask that covers both the mouth and nose, which is difficult toseal properly.

Some air-delivery systems employ a cannula that is inserted into thenose; however, it is difficult to seal the cannula resulting in airleaks that disturb sleep. Additionally, as described in more detailbelow, such cannula sealing systems require special components that arespecific to the manufacturer of such components. They are not universal;thus, one purchasing components from one manufacturer must return to thesame manufacture for replacement parts.

A commercially available “no-mask” air-delivery system uses teeth tomechanically support a cannula inserted into the nose. Unfortunately,this system delivers air only to the nose and not the mouth, which makesbreathing difficult if the nose is blocked by a cold, for example. Afurther disadvantage is that using teeth to support the air-deliverysystem makes it difficult to talk.

Given these difficulties, certain embodiments of the disclosure providea system that addresses some or all of the difficulties discussed above.Certain embodiments may have one or more of the following uniquefeatures:

-   -   A cannula sealing system to prevent air leakage from the nose,        which reduces noise and provides better sleep;    -   A universal sealing apparatus that can be used with virtually        any manufacturer's cannula;    -   A pressure recovery system that reduces energy consumption,        which reduces noise and makes the system more suitable for        portable operation under battery power;    -   A strap-free air-delivery system that provides air to both the        nose and mouth; and    -   A strap-free air-delivery system that provides air to the nose        only and requires no mechanical support from the teeth.        Although the above unique features are specifically identified,        other unique features may also become apparent after review of        the disclosure. Additionally, some of embodiments may have none        of the above-list of unique features.

Air-Delivery System

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show three views of an air-delivery system 100,according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 1A is a front view,FIG. 1B is a side view, and FIG. 1C is a top view. These three FIGUREShave been annotated with “Embodiment 1V” where V stands for “vent.”Embodiment 1V features a single hose 110 that delivers pressurized air(indicated by arrows 112) to a hollow mouth seal 120, which distributesair (indicated by arrows 113 and 132) to the mouth and nose via twocannulas 130. Exhaust gas (indicated by arrow 122) is vented from themouth seal 120 through exhaust ports 124.

FIG. 2 shows the installation of the air-delivery system 100 of FIGS.1A, 1B, and 1C. In this particular embodiment, one or more straps 140are used to secure the air-delivery system 100. However, other securingmechanisms may also be used, for example, as described with reference toother FIGURES below.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C show three views of an air-delivery system 300,according to another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 3A is a frontview, FIG. 3B is a side view, and FIG. 3C is a top view. These threeFIGURES have been annotated with “Embodiment 1R” where R stands forpressure “recovery.” Embodiment 1R is nearly identical to Embodiment 1Vof FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 2, for example, including an input hose 310that delivers pressured arrow (indicated by arrow 312) to the hollowmouth seal 320, which distributes air (indicated by arrows 313 and 332)to the mouth and nose via two cannulas 330. However, FIGS. 3A, 3B, and3C also include a second hose 350 that directs vented gas (indicated byarrow 352) away from the air-delivery system 300.

FIG. 4 shows the installation of the air-delivery system 300 of FIGS.3A, 3B, and 3C. In this particular embodiment, straps 340 are used tosecure the air-delivery system. However, other securing mechanisms mayalso be used, for example, as described with reference to other FIGURESbelow.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show three views of an air-delivery system 500,according to another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5A is a frontview, FIG. 5B is a side view, and FIG. 5C is a top view. These threeFIGURES have been annotated with “Embodiment 2V” where V, again, standsfor “vent.” Embodiment 2V features a single hose 510 that deliverspressurized air (indicated by arrows 512) to the hollow mouth seal 520,which distributes air (indicated by arrows 513 and 532) to the mouth andnose via two cannulas 530. Exhaust gas (indicated by arrow 522) isvented from the mouth seal 520 through exhaust ports 524. Thisembodiment features a mouth guard 560, which is clamped between theteeth to provide mechanical support. Passageways 562 in the mouth guard560 allow air delivery to the mouth.

The mouth guard 560 (any other mouth guards described herein) may beconfigured in any suitable manner. For example, in one particularconfiguration, the passageways 562 are made of a material that isnon-deformable by heat or thermal energy. However, certain portion ofthe mouth guard 560 may be deformable with heat, for example, uponplacing the mouth guard 560 in boiling water. Thus, a user of the mouthguard 560 may have the guard shaped to his or her teeth upon “biting”the heated deformable portions—in a similar manner to a football mouthguard. Upon cooling, a customized mouth guard is produced. Any suitablegap may be used to ensure air flow into the mouth.

Unlike conventional mouth guards, certain configurations simultaneouslyprovide air to both the mouth and the nose—thus alleviating problemsthat may occur when a user has a clogged nose.

FIG. 6 shows the installation of the air-delivery system 500 of FIGS.5A, 5B, and 5C. In this particular embodiment, no straps are requiredbecause the mouth guard (not seen in this view) mechanically secures theair-delivery system 500.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show three views of an air-delivery system 700,according to another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 7A is a frontview, FIG. 7B is a side view, and FIG. 7C is a top view. These threeFIGURES have been annotated with “Embodiment 2R” where R, again, standsfor pressure “recovery.” Embodiment 2R is nearly identical to Embodiment2V of FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 6, for example, including an input hose 710that delivers pressured arrow (indicated by arrow 712) to the hollowmouth seal 720, which distributes air (indicated by arrows 713 and 732)to the mouth and nose via two cannulas 730. Additionally, theair-delivery system 700 includes a mouthgard 760 with passageways 762.However, FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C also include a second hose 750 thatdirects vented gas (indicated by arrow 752) away from the air-deliverysystem 700. By directing vented gas away from a user, hissing noisesthat are typically encountered in CPAP configurations may be alleviatedor completely avoided.

FIG. 8 shows the installation of the air-delivery system 700 of FIGS.7A, 7B, and 7C. In this particular embodiment, no straps are requiredbecause the mouth guard mechanically secures the air-delivery system700.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show two views of an air-delivery system 900, accordingto another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 9A is a front view andFIG. 9B is a side view. These two FIGURES have been annotated with“Embodiment 3V” where V, again, stands for “vent.” Embodiment 3Vfeatures a single hose 910 that delivers pressurized air (indicated byarrows 912) to a cannula distributor 920, which distributes air(indicated by arrows 932) to the nose through two cannulas 930. Exhaustair is vented (as indicated by arrow 922) from the cannula distributor920.

FIG. 10 shows the installation of the air-delivery system 900 of FIGS.9A and 9B.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show two views of an air-delivery system 1100,according to another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 11A is a frontview and FIG. 11B is a side view. These two FIGURES have been annotatedwith “Embodiment 3R” where R, again, stands for pressure “recovery.”Embodiment 3R is nearly identical to Embodiment 3V of FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C,and 10, for example, including an input hose 1110 that deliverspressurized air (indicated by arrows 1112) to a cannula distributor1120, which distributes air (indicated by arrows 1132) to the nosethrough two cannulas 1130. However, FIGS. 11A and 11B also include asecond hose 1150 that directs vented gas away (indicated by arrow 1152)from the air-delivery system 1100.

FIG. 12 shows the installation of the air-delivery system 1100 of FIGS.11A and 11B.

Cannula Seals

As described above, some air-delivery systems insert a cannula(sometimes described as a nose pillow) within a nostril of a nose.Several examples are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,291,906, assigned toResMed. To affix the mask to the face, this patent describes the use ofadhesive strips that replace straps, which are traditionally used.Because these adhesive strips are uniquely designed to interface with agiven mask, the components from one manufacturer are not interchangeablewith those of another. In other words, they are not universal. Thus, auser of components from one CPAP manufacturer must continue to purchasecomponents from the same CPAP manufacturer.

The adhesive strips described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,291,906—which are usedto affix the mask to the face—do not necessarily result in an effectiveseal of the cannula to the nostril. If the user bumps the mask—whichreadily occurs during sleep—then the cannulas can become dislodged fromthe nostril, resulting in a noisy leak that can awaken the user. Thisineffective seal results because the adhesive strips do not interfacedirectly with the cannula. Rather, the adhesive strips attach directlyto the face mask, which in turn mechanically couples to the cannulas.Accordingly, the force for the cannula seal is transported from theadhesive connection mechanism, to the mask, and then to the cannulas orpillows. Such an indirect configuration inhibits the ability for aneffective seal.

Recognizing such problems, certain embodiments of the disclosure providea universal cannula sealing mechanism that can be used with virtuallyany manufacture's cannula or nose pillow. Moreover, in contrast toattaching adhesive strips to the mask, certain embodiments of thedisclosure attach adhesive strips directly to a cannula or pillow—thus,ensuring a better seal.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C show three views of one cannula-sealingapparatus 1300, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 13Ais a top view, FIG. 13B is a side view, and FIG. 13C is a side view ofthe installation. These three FIGURES have been annotated with“Embodiment A.”

The cannula-sealing apparatus 1300 in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C generallyshows a continuous member 1310 with two holes 1320 placed therein forthe receiving of cannulas 1330. The continuous member 1310 may be madefrom virtually any material or combinations of materials, including, butnot limited to, fabric, latex rubber, or plastics such as polyvinylchloride or polyethylene. Yet other materials will become apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art after review of the present disclosure.

The continuous member 1310 in this configuration is shown as havingportions 1312, 1314, and 1318. Portions 1312 and 1314 generallycorrespond to adhering portions of the continuous member 1310. Suchportions have any structure that allows the continuous member 1310 todirectly or indirectly adhere to a nose as shown in FIG. 13C. In theparticular configurations, the adhering portions may include an adhesiveon a least one side. Further, in particular configurations, the adhesiveon portions 1312 and 1314 may be pressure sensitive, allowing theportions 1312 and 1314 to adhere to the skin when pressed. The adhesivemay be any of a variety of suitable materials including, but not limitedto, rubbers, acrylate, and silicone formulations.

Portion 1318, which is shown with the holes 1320, is generallyconfigured to operate directly with a flared portion 1334 of the cannula1330 as seen in FIG. 13B. In particular, as seen in FIG. 13B, portion1318 comes into contact with a base 1335 of the flared portion 1334.When the cannulas 1330 are placed in the nostrils of the nose as shownin FIG. 13C, a user may pull and adhere portions 1312 and 1314 torespective side of the nose. In particular configuration, the continuousmember 1310 may have at least a partial flexible “give” because of thematerials utilized. In other configurations, the continuous member 1310may have little or no give. This action forces portion 1318 to pressupward upon the base 1335 of the flared portion 1334 of the cannula 1330to keep the cannulas 1330 sealingly engaged in their respectivenostrils. As a user of the cannula-sealing apparatus 1300 sleeps, forexample, the upward force of portion 1318 keeps the sealing engagementof the cannula 1330 within the respective nostril.

The holes 1320 in portion 1318 are configured such that the cannulas1330 are allowed to be positioned therethrough. Then, after thepositioning of the cannulas 1330 therethrough, the holes 1320 do notallow an easy unintentional extraction of the cannulas 1330. In theparticular configuration shown, the holes 1320 have an oval shape thatallows passage of the flared portion 1334 of the cannula 1330, which isflexible. The flared portion 1334 of the cannula 1330 will not readilypass back through such holes 1320 unless intentionally forced by theuser. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize such a designafter review of this disclosure. Although such a particular design isshown for the holes 1320 in this configuration, others designs willbecome apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of thepresent disclosure.

In particular configurations, the portion 1318 may have or be made of adifferent material than portions 1312 and 1314. For example, inparticular configurations, the portion 1318 may lack an adhesive. Inparticular configurations, the portion 1318 may be reinforced—havingextra material as may be necessary. In particular configurations, thereinforcement may be around the holes 1320 using materials, such as, butnot limited to, polyester resin marketed as MYLAR®, cellulose acetate,cellophane, polyethylene, or polypropylene.

In particular embodiments, the cannula-sealing apparatus 1300 of FIGS.13A, 13B, and 13C can be seen as a universal sealing system forair-delivery systems that have cannulas. In particular, because thesealing system interacts directly with the flared portion 1334 (namely,the base 1335) of the cannula 1330, virtually any air-delivery systemwith cannulas may avail from embodiments of the disclosure—withoutmodification.

In particular configurations, the cannula-sealing apparatus 1300 may beused as long as the adhesive on portions 1312 and 1314 retain theirproperties. In particular configurations, the cannula-sealing apparatus1300 is discardable after use. Particular advantages of this embodimentmay include a low-tech configuration that may be relatively easy tomanufacture.

Although the cannula-sealing apparatus 1300 has been described as havingan adhesive portion and being disposable, the adhering portions of thecannula-sealing apparatus may have other configurations. As onenon-limiting example, a disposable strip may be placed across the bridgeand down the sides of a nose. Then, the adhering portions of thecannular seal may adhere to the nose indirectly through the disposablestrip using, for example, hook and loop fasteners or adhesive on boththe adhering portion of the seal and the disposable strip. In particularembodiments, the disposable strip may be a strip configured to keep thenostrils open such as those marketed under the trade name BREATHE RIGHT®nasal strips. In such configurations, a user may apply the nasal strips,insert the cannulas, and then attach the portion 1312 and 1314 to thenasal strips.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15A, and 15B show non-limiting examples of embodimentsin which a cannula-sealing apparatus is not continuous and has portionsthat are removable from other portions. FIGS. 14A and 14B show oneexample of removability of portions whereas FIGS. 15A and 15B showanother example of removability of portions. It should be understoodthat such examples are non-limiting as others will become apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art after having read the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show two views of a cannula-sealing apparatus,according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 14A is a top view andFIG. 14B is a side view. These two FIGURES have been annotated with“Embodiment B.”

Similar to FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C, the cannula-sealing apparatus 1400of FIGS. 14A and 14B include multiple portions 1412 and 1414 that areconfigured to adhere directly or indirectly to a nose and anotherportion 1418 that interacts with the cannula 1430. However, portions1412 and 1414 are removable from portion 1418. To enable thisremovability, either or both of the removable portions (1412, 1414) andportion 1418 include a sticky material such as hook-and-loop fasteners(commonly marketed under the name VELCRO®). These features haverespectively been labeled as connectors 1413, 1415, and 1419. Theoperation of such materials should become apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art after review of this disclosure.

Because of the removability of portions 1412 and 1414, portion 1418 mayexhibit qualities different than portion 1318 of FIGS. 13A, 13B, and13C. For example, portions 1412 and 1414 may only be disposable,allowing one to only have to push the cannulas through holes in portion1418 once. Additionally, a higher quality more expensive material may bechosen for portion 1418.

Once the portions 1412 and 1414 are coupled to portion 1418, thecannula-sealing apparatus 1400 may operate in the same manner as thecannula-sealing apparatus 1300 with respect to sealing placement of thecannulas in the nostrils, including attachment of the portions to thenose.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show two views of a cannula-sealing apparatus,according to another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 15A is a topview and FIG. 15B is a side view. These two FIGURES have been annotatedwith “Embodiment C.”

Similar to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the cannula-sealing apparatus 1500 ofFIGS. 15A and 15B include multiple portions 1512 and 1514 that areconfigured to adhere directly or indirectly to a nose and anotherportion 1518 that interacts with the cannula 1530. Additionally, similarto FIGS. 14A and 14B, FIGS. 15A and 15B, portions 1512 and 1514 areremovable from portion 1518, and to enable this removability, either orboth of the removable portions (1512, 1514) and portion 1518 includeconnectors 1513, 1515, and 1519. However, the connectors 1513, 1515, and1519 of FIGS. 15A and 15B are different than the connectors 1413, 1415,and 1419 of FIGS. 14A and 14B. In particular, connectors 1513, 1515include respective holes 1513 a, 1515 a, and grooves 1513 b, 1515 b.Additionally, connector 1519 has a knob 1519 a with a thinner stem 1519b. The holes 1513 a, 1515 a receive the knob 1519 a and the stem 1519 bpasses along the grooves 1513 b, 1515 b. Then, the knob 1519 a isprevented from being pulled through the grooves 1513 b, 1515 b. Such anoperation will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the arthaving read this disclosure.

Once the portions 1512 and 1514 are coupled to portion 1518, thecannula-sealing apparatus 1500 may operate in the same manner as thecannula-sealing apparatus 1300 with respect to sealing placement of thecannulas in the nostril and the portions on the nose.

As referenced above, FIGS. 14A, 14B, 15A, and 15B show non-limitingexamples of embodiments in which a cannula-sealing apparatus is notcontinuous and has portions that are removable from other portions.Other manners of connecting portions may also be utilized according toembodiments. As one non-limiting example, portions may be belted to oneanother using any suitable technique. As another limiting example, aportion may include a connector that is allowed to pass through anotherrespective connector in only one direction. Such technology is similarto those used in retail outlets for tagging clothing with prices. Insuch configurations, the only way to remove the connector is to tear theconnector. Yet other connection mechanisms will become apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art having read the disclosure.

FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 show how various different configurations disclosedherein can be combined. Although the specific combination will be shown,other combinations may also be utilized according to embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 16 shows the air-delivery system of Embodiment 1V with installedcannula-sealing apparatus (Embodiment A, B, or C). Although Embodiment1V is shown here, Embodiment 1R could be employed as well in thisconfiguration.

FIG. 17 shows the air-delivery system Embodiment 2V with installedcannula-sealing apparatus (Embodiment A, B, or C). Optionally, chin tape1780 can be used to ensure that the mouth stays closed. AlthoughEmbodiment 2V is shown here, Embodiment 2R could be employed as well inthis configuration.

FIG. 18 shows the air-delivery system Embodiment 3V with an installedcannula-sealing apparatus (Embodiment A, B, or C). Although Embodiment3V is shown here, Embodiment 3R could be employed as well in thisconfiguration.

FIG. 19A shows a configuration of an air-delivery system 1900 with aninstalled cannula-sealing apparatus (Embodiment A, B, or C). Theair-delivery system 1900 may operate in a substantially similar to theair-delivery system 900 of FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10. This embodiment alsoincludes a support structure 1985 that secures to the forehead using,for example, double-stick tape. In an alternative configuration, suctioncups may be used. In particular configurations, as shown incross-sectional detail of FIG. 19B, the flexible hose 1910 can besurrounded with wire 1987 and a wrap 1988 so that it can be bent to ashape that fits the face comfortably. These two FIGURES have beenannotated with “Embodiment 4V,” where “V,” again stands for vent.Although Embodiment 4V is shown here, a similar Embodiment 4R (where“R,” again stands for pressure “recovery”) could be employed as well inthis configuration.

FIG. 20A shows a configuration of an air-delivery system 2000 withinstalled cannula-sealing apparatus (Embodiment A, B, or C). Theair-delivery system 2000 may operate in a substantially similar to theair-delivery system 900 of FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10. This embodiment alsoincludes a support structure 2085 secured to the forehead using straps2089. In particular configurations, as shown in the cross-sectionaldetail of FIG. 20B, the flexible hose 2010 can be surrounded with wire2087 and wraps 2088 so that it can be bent to a shape that fits the facecomfortably. These two FIGURES have been annotated with “Embodiment 5V,”where “V,” again stands for vent. Although Embodiment 5V is shown here,a similar Embodiment 5R (where “R,” again stands for pressure“recovery”) could be employed as well in this configuration.

Power Systems and Air Delivery/Retrieval

FIG. 21 shows a power system 2100 that produces compressed air for thevented air-delivery systems (Embodiments 1V, 2V, 3V, 4V, and5V—Embodiment 3V is shown as an example). Electrical energy is providedfrom a conventional electrical plug 2110 that receives energy from theelectrical grid. A rectifier 2120 provides DC electricity to acontroller 2130 that regulates the speed of a motor 2140. The motor 2140powers the compressor 2150. In particular configuration, a battery 2160can be incorporated into the electrical circuit to provide power in casethe electrical grid fails or if the unit is to be used in remotelocations (e.g., camping).

FIG. 22 shows the power system that produces compressed air for thepressure recovery air-delivery systems (Embodiments 1R, 2R, 3R, 4R, and5R—Embodiment 3R is shown as an example). It is nearly identical to FIG.21 with electrical plug 2210, rectifier 2220, controller 2230, motor2240, compressor 2250, and battery 2260; however, it also includes anexpander 2270. The expander 2270 recovers shaft power from the ventedhigh-pressure gas.

Cannula Seal Enhancements

FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 show enhanced cannula-sealing apparatuses 2300 and2400, according to additional embodiments of the disclosure. Thecannula-sealing apparatuses 2300, 2400 of FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 mayoperate substantially in a similar manner to the cannula-sealingapparatus 1300 described with reference to FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C,including continuous member 1310 with two holes 1320 and portions 1312,1314, and 1318. However, cannula-sealing apparatuses 2300 and 2400 ofFIGS. 23, 24, and 25 also include notches 2395 and 2495 that accommodatethe columella—the fleshy skin that separates the two nostrils.Additionally, cannula-sealing apparatuses 2400 of FIGS. 24 and 25 alsoincludes a crease 2497 is that provides a fold that helps guide theinstallation.

It will be understood that well-known structural details have not beendescribed in detail and have been omitted for brevity. Although specificstructures and materials may have been described, the present disclosuremay not be limited to these specifics, and others may be substituted asit is well understood by those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A universal sealing apparatus for one or morecannulas, the apparatus comprising: a first portion configured toremovably adhere directly or indirectly to a nose; a second portionconfigured to removably adhere directly or indirectly to the nose; and athird portion coupled to the first and second portions, the thirdportion configured to: removably couple to one or more cannulas, andplace a force upon a base of flared portions of the one or more cannulaswhen the first and second portions are adhered to the nose, the forcemaintaining a fluid seal of the one or more cannulas within one or morerespective nostrils of the nose.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe third portion further comprises one or more holes that respectively:allow passage of the flared portions of the one or more cannulas whendeformed, and restrict passage of the flared portions of the one or morecannulas when not deformed.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thethird portion further comprises a notch configured to accommodate acolumella of the nose.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising acrease in one or more of the first portion, the second portion, or thethird portion, the crease configured a folding line for properinstallation of the apparatus upon the nose.
 5. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the first and second portions include an adhesive that allowsthe first and second portions to directly adhere to the nose.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5, wherein the adhesive is pressure-sensitiveadhesive that adheres to skin when pressed.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first and second portions are removably coupleable to thethird portion.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first and secondportions are configured to be disposable upon a loss of or reduction ofan ability to adhere directly or indirectly to the nose.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the apparatus is configured to be disposedupon a loss of or reduction of an ability of one or both of the firstand second portions to adhere directly or indirectly to the nose. 10.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein first, second, and third portions arecontinuous.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein first, second, andthird portions include a common material.
 12. An air-delivery systemcomprising: one or more inlets configured to receive forced air from oneor more hoses, one or more cannulas fluidly coupled to the one or moreinlets, the one or more cannulas configured to supply a portion of theforced air to a nose of a user; and a mouth guard configured to beclamped between teeth, the mouth guard including one or more passagewaysfluidly coupled to the one or more inlets to allow a portion of theforced air to be delivered to the mouth of the user.
 13. Theair-delivery system of claim 12, further comprising: chin tapeindirectly coupled to the mouth guard, the chin tape configured toensure the mouth stays closed.
 14. An air-delivery system comprising:one or more forced air hoses; one or more inlets configured to: receiveforced air from one or more forced-air hoses, and supply air to one orboth of a nose or mouth; one or more exhaust hoses; and one or moreoutlets configured to deliver exhaust air at least partially from theone or both of the nose or mouth to the one or more exhaust hoses. 15.The system of claim 14, further comprising: an expander in communicationwith the one or more exhaust hoses; a compressor in communication withthe one or more forced-air hoses; wherein a portion of the energycommunicated from the compressor to the one or more forced-air hoses iscommunicated to the one or more exhaust hoses; and wherein the expandertransfers at least some of the portion of the energy from the exhausthoses back to the compressor.
 16. An air-delivery system comprising: aninlet hose, the inlet hose containing one or more wires configured toallow the inlet hose to be bent to a shape that fits the face, the inlethose configured to supply forced air to one or both of a nose and mouthof a user; and a forced-air distributor configured to receive the forcedair from the inlet hose and supply to the one or both of the nose andthe mouth of the user.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the inlethose is configured to be positioned upon a forehead of a user and downthe nose, the system further comprising: a support structure configuredto secure the inlet hose to the forehead of a user; the supportstructure being one of tape, suction cups, or straps.
 18. The system ofclaim 16, further comprising: an outlet hose, the outlet hose configuredto receive exhaust gas from one or both of a nose and mouth of a user.19. The system of claim 16, wherein forced-air distributor is configuredto supply forced air only to the nose of the user and avoid covering amouth of the user.
 20. The system of claim 16, further comprising: auniversal sealing apparatus for one or more cannulas, the apparatuscomprising: a first portion configured to removably adhere directly orindirectly to a nose; a second portion configured to removably adheredirectly or indirectly to the nose; and a third portion coupled to thefirst and second portions, the third portion configured to: removablycouple to the one or more cannulas, and place a force upon a base offlared portions of the one or more cannulas when the first and secondportions are adhered to the nose, the force maintaining a fluid seal ofthe one or more cannulas within one or more respective nostrils of thenose.